Pinellas Park Police Officer Rescues Man From Burning House

PINELLAS PARK, FL — A Pinellas Park Police officer is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a 73-year-old man from a burning house Friday.

The Pinellas Park Fire Department was called to a house fire at 4332 70th Ave. N. around 4 a.m. Pinellas Park Police Officer Jeffrey DeTrano was on patrol and followed the fire engines to the scene. When he arrived, a neighbor told him that he believed the resident, Christopher Jones, was still inside the house.

The front of the house was fully engulfed in flames so, after informing firefighters, DeTrano made his way over a fence into the backyard. He saw that the back door was open with smoke billowing out. When he looked inside, he spotted Jones crouched down and unresponsive.

DeTrano entered the house and carried Jones to safety. Paramedics then transported Jones to the hospital.

"Officer DeTrano's actions saved a life today," said Pinellas Park Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Robert Angell. "If it were not for his actions, the outcome would have been tragic. Officer DeTrano's selfless actions display just one example of the commitment that all of our public servants have in service to our community."

The fire is under investigation by the Pinellas Park Fire Department but does not appear to be intentional.